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To Charles Whitley [9 September 1831]

17 Spring Gardens | London

Friday Evening

My dear Whitley

I daresay you will be surprised when you see the date of this letter, & perhaps you will be more so when you read it contents.—

When I arrived home, after having left Barmouth, I found letters from Peacock & Henslow offering me (from the Admiralty) the priviledge of going in a Kings ship on a surveying voyage round the world.— This I at first refused, owing to my Father not approving of the plan, but since then we have convinced him of the propriety of my going.— Accordingly after many doubts & difficulties I started for Cambridge, & then came on here, where I arrived on Monday.— And I believe now it is all finally settled.— Cap Fitz Roy, my captain, appears an uncommonly agreeable open sort of fellow—whom I liked at first sight: he is uncommonly civil: I am to live with him: the Vessel is very small, but it was his own choice.— It is such capital fun ordering things, to day I ordered a Rifle & 2 pair of pistols; for we shall have plenty of fighting with those d— — Cannibals: It would be something to shoot the King of the Cannibals Islands.—

Our route is Madeira, Canary Islands Rio de Janeiro. 18 months all about S America, chiefly Southern extremity.— South Sea Islands, (some new course) Australia India home.— I shall see a great number of places, as they take out 20 Chronometers to ascertain Longitudes—

Cap Fitzroy is very scientific & seems inclined to assist me to the utmost extent in my line.— I go on Sunday to Plymouth to see the Vessel. She sails 10th of next month.— So that I have not an idle moment.— I shot one partridge on the 1st. devilish dear 3’13’6.1 by 8 oclock I was off.— Remember me most kindly to the Lowes, I should like to hear their observations on my grand tour. tell Lowe Sen2 that my things arrived quite safe, & I am very much obliged for all the trouble he took: There will be a paper published about the Fungus,3 all my conjectures were right.— If any more can be got, & put into gin, & sent to Shrewsbury: it will be capital

I hope you will write to me. I am much obliged for your last note.— If I was see Lowe, I should think he would have a few questions to ask. I hope he will remain pretty easy in his mind.— Again remember me most kindly to the two Lowes I wish them all sorts of good luck, & Believe me dear old Whitley, Yours very truely | Chas Darwin

I saw poor old Herbert in Cam. he is pretty well tired of Cam poor old Fellow.—

Remember me most kindly to Beadon4

I added this postscript to the wrong letter.5 Will you call at the Postoffice6 & desire them to forward to Caernarvon a letter directed Prof: Sedgwick